Become a Rural Nurse Practitioner

What you'll do: Rural nurse practitioners provide health care services to adults and children who live in rural areas. Among their primary duties, rural nurses diagnose and treat patients for common acute illnesses as well as chronic conditions. In addition, rural nurse practitioners educate rural communities regarding health and wellness issues, serve as teachers and mentors to aspiring rural nurses, and research rural nursing issues as a means of improving the health of at-risk rural populations.

Degree you'll need to practice: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Certification: The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers certification to nurse practitioners (NPs) who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Median annual salary: $75,838 to $89,392

States where jobs are often found: Wyoming, Alaska, Texas, Nebraska, West Virginia and Ohio

Rural nurse practitioners are registered nurses (RNs) who have earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a post-master's certificate with a focus in their specialty. Most master's programs take two years to complete and build on undergraduate nursing study. In general, MSN programs involve classroom work and a significant number of hours of practical experience, which may include clinical, teaching and research time. To become a certified nurse practitioner, you must pass a national certification exam.

The ongoing nursing shortage in the United States continues to present exceptional job opportunities for nurses across the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And rural communities within the U.S. have a special need for advanced practice nurses who often serve as primary health care providers to medically underserved areas. Neither the job nor the hours are easy, but making a difference to the health and well-being of entire communities brings its own personal and professional rewards.
_{Sources:
Rural Nurse Organization, 2009
Denverpost.com, 2009
NurseCredentialing.org, 2009
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009}